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19 killed in train-bus smash near Karur

Nineteen people were killed and 24 others injured, when the Madras-Kanyakumari express train dashed against a state-owned transport corporation bus at a level crossing on the Karur-Salem by-pass road near Karur, early today.

The mishap occurred at 0200 hours, when the train was on its way to Kanyakumari and the bus was proceeding to Salem from Madurai.

Some of the injured, who were admitted to the Government Hospital in Karur, were said to be in a serious condition.

Four of the deceased, including the bus crew, were identified so far.

The bodies were sent to the GH for post-mortem.

Four special buses were arranged for the stranded train passengers to continue their journey.

The engine of the train suffered a minor damage.

Later, the train was brought to Karur junction and it left for Kanyakumari at 0900 hours with fewer passengers.

Southern Railway sources said Aravindan, divisional railway manager, Palakkad, was supervising the relief operations at the site.

Three Railway Board members from Bombay are also expected to visit the site.

Meanwhile, Southern Railway has opened an information centre at the Karur railway station to provide details relating to the mishap.

UNI

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